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Monday, October 23, 2017

Life is stressful- use cleaning as a moving meditation

Have you ever had one of those days? You know the kind I'm talking about. Where life seems a wee bit irksome and your next step a little shaky? Yup- that's the day.

When in doubt, clean. Cleaning is a form of space clearing. It shifts energy, refreshes your space and reboots not only your environment but often your attitude. Cleaning is a moving form of meditation. Your mind is focused on the task at hand. The methodical movement of cleaning gives your frazzled thoughts a place to land.
Meditation is a proven stress buster, but not everyone has time to set aside for meditation. Even if you have the time, you may be uncomfortable sitting still. Cleaning meditations are for active minds and busy lives.

Where to begin. Get out your timer. Set the alarm for 10-20- 30 minutes. Pick a task: clean out a drawer, a bookcase, do the dishes, dust, vacuum, clean the toilets, wash windows. The activity isn't as important as the action. Set your timer, shut off facebook, texting and phone calls. Open up your windows, let fresh air in and get a moving.

While you clean, be mindful of posture, breath and the action at hand. Keep returning thoughts to your project, your breath and posture. When the alarm rings, smile, stretch your hands above your head and pat yourself on the back- well done.

If you have more time to meditate- reset timer and begin again. When you are finished meditating, you will also have accomplished a task and had a work out!

If you want to take your meditations to the next level... Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty as you clean.